1 Samuel 16
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Summary
David of Bethlehem is chosen as king by the Lord. Samuel the prophet anoints David. Saul makes David his companion and armor bearer.
Commentary
Bible Central Commentary
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Historical Commentaries
Many of the commentaries below are in the public domain and were authored over 100 years ago. In many cases, they do not reflect the findings of modern scholarship, but they may be helpful for understanding the history of biblical scholarship.
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Historical Settings
Time
*All Dates Are Approximate, according to the narrative of the Bible. These dates may reflect literary significance as opposed to the precise dates of history.
See Biblical ChronologyFurther Reading
Norman J. Barlow, “David, King,” in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., ed. Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: MacMillan Publishing, 1992), 1:359-360.
Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, “KnoWhy OTL23A — How Does the Story of David’s Loyalty to Saul Apply in Our Day?” The Interpreter Foundation website, 14 June 2018.
Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, “KnoWhy OTL22A — What Was the Religious Role of Music in the Life and Times of David?” The Interpreter Foundation website, 12 June 2018.
Richard G. Ellsworth, “The Tragic Dimensions of Saul,” Ensign, June 1990.
Taylor Halverson, “‘The Lord Looketh on the Heart.’ 1 Samuel 9-11; 13; 15-17,” The Interpreter Foundation website, 17 November 2013.
Stephen D. Ricks and John J. Sroka, “King, Coronation, and Temple: Enthronement Ceremonies in History,” in Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism, ed. Donald W. Parry (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book; Provo, Utah: FARMS, 1994), 236-271.
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